Quinn Hughes thinks long layoff will help development of brother Jack

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes believes his brother Jack, a New Jersey Devils forward and the 2019 No. 1 overall pick, will benefit from the lengthy layoff.

The Devils were one of the league's seven teams that didn't qualify for the expanded 24-team playoff field. Their last game was in March, and with no start date for the 2020-21 season set in stone, they're going to go several months without playing any games.

"I think this is maybe the best thing that could ever happen for my brother if I'm being completely honest," Quinn said in a Zoom call on Monday. "I think that he's an unbelievable player and the only thing that was holding him back was how young he was.

"As an 18-year-old kid you're just not as strong. I think there's a huge difference between 18 and 20. There's still a lot of developing to do."

Jack was the consensus No. 1 overall pick his entire draft year and had tremendous hype surrounding him as he entered his rookie season. However, he struggled to adjust to life at the NHL level and produced just seven goals and 14 assists in 61 contests.

Quinn, on the other hand, made an immediate impact with the Canucks in his first full NHL season this year. The swift-skating blue-liner registered 53 points in 68 games while averaging over 21 minutes per night, making him a virtual lock to be a Calder Trophy finalist.